User Fees Increasing

The fees paid on most programs and services in the town of Fort Frances are going up January 1.

Last night, council approved the increases to user fees, which Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says will go up an average of about one-point-seven per cent.

"Every division took a thorough look at user fees," says Witherspoon. "I know in my area it was 1.7 per cent. There was a few things that we felt - staff time - that the user fee covered it without raising it. There was just a few exceptions where it wasn't."

The changes do not include water and sewer rates which will be passed at a future date.

Committees Still Need People

Fort Frances town council made appointments to a number of town committees and boards last night, but some positions remain vacant.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs is hoping others individuals will come forward to fill the spots.

"If there was any of those that you're interested in or if want to call one of the councillors or the mayor and ask what might be involved in the committee you might be interested in, please feel welcome to do so," says Tibbs.

A recent change now requires most positions to be filled for only two years.

Toronto Developer Eyes Rainy River District

(Geoff Gillon of Rainy River Futures Development Corp. speaking recently to Fort Frances town council)

The Rainy River District is getting a close look by a Toronto developer.

Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation says they've be in contact with the unnamed developer who made an initial visit to area back in August.

"And he came here as a breath of fresh air," says Gillon. "He's very, very positive and with new flights from Porter Air out of Centre Island to Thunder Bay, he thinks there's potential for the future."

Gillon says the developer has an eye on both business and condominium projects.

Winter is Here

Residents in the Rainy River district are digging out today after a system passing through the area yesterday dumped as much as 10 centimetres of snow in some areas.

Environment Canada says Fort Frances received six centimetres.

Both Atikokan and Mine Centre have snowfalls measuring in at 10 centimetres

The system is to move away from the area later this morning, but more snow is expected tomorrow.

Energy Plan Detailed Today

Ontario is expected to release its long-term energy plan today.

Parts of it, including changing when less expensive off-peak hours kick in, have already been reported.

Specific announcements for northwestern Ontario are being made this morning in Thunder Bay.

Pension Bill Debate Resumes

Committee discussion resumes today on Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty's pension bill.

The private member's bill aims to protect workers pensions when companies restructure or enter bankruptcy.

Rafferty is optimistic about it becoming law.

"I'm hopeful we're going to get it through committee," says Rafferty, "perhaps with some amendments or changes. I'm don't know. We'll have to wait and see. We'll still get it back to the House for a third reading vote and hopefully off to the Senate."

The committee may make a final recommendation Thursday.

Weekend Busy for Cops

A busy weekend for OPP officers in the Rainy River district.

Officers responded to sixty-eight calls for service between Friday and Sunday.

Police say the calls were diverse, ranging from thefts to assaults and domestic disturbances and included a number of motor vehicle accidents, four involving wildlife.

In another accident, a women fell asleep at the wheel causing her vehicle to leave the road and strike a fence.

She was charged with Careless Driving and Driving While Under Suspension.

Police also conducted four RIDE programs in Morley Township and Fort Frances.

Stuff a Cruiser Planned

OPP are looking to stuff-a-cruiser.

Constable Anne McCoy says the aim is to fill cruisers placed throughout the district with food or clothes that would be distributed to needy families across the Rainy River district.

"The concept of stuff-a-cruiser is to heighten awareness that there is people in need in our community," says McCoy, "especially with the economic times that we're all facing. We want to make sure that we not only heighten the awareness, but also bring to the attention that there's things that people can do in the community to help people in need."

An information meeting is planned for 10 a.m. today at the Fort Frances Library and Technology Centre.